Following President Trump’s rambling West Point commencement address, Democratic Rep. Jasmine Crockett urged Republicans to question his mental fitness for office, citing their past criticisms of President Biden’s cognitive abilities. Trump’s speech included bizarre tangents about “trophy wives,” yachts, and other unrelated topics. Crockett argued that this behavior demonstrates a lack of fitness for command, highlighting the hypocrisy of Republicans’ silence. This call comes amidst the release of a new book detailing Trump’s actions and amid ongoing concerns about his mental health.
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Senate Republicans, led by Senators Johnson, Paul, and Hawley, have expressed concerns about President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill,” demanding deeper spending cuts and opposing Medicaid reductions. These senators believe the bill increases the deficit and jeopardizes healthcare access for millions, threatening to derail the legislation unless significant changes are made. While President Trump indicated a willingness to consider alterations, House Speaker Johnson urged minimal modifications to ensure timely passage. The Senate aims to finalize the bill by July 4th, but any changes will necessitate further House approval.
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The annual Jerusalem Day march, celebrating Israel’s 1967 capture of East Jerusalem, again saw ultranationalist Israeli Jews chanting anti-Arab slogans and engaging in provocative behavior within Muslim neighborhoods. Palestinian shopkeepers closed early to avoid the often-violent procession, while police presence was significant, though some officers were seen celebrating alongside marchers. The event, occurring amidst heightened tensions following a prolonged Gaza conflict, included a separate incident where Israeli protesters, including a member of parliament, stormed a UNRWA compound. Prime Minister Netanyahu, meanwhile, reiterated Israel’s claim to a united Jerusalem.
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King Charles and Queen Camilla’s two-day visit to Ottawa aimed to reaffirm Canada’s sovereignty as a distinct constitutional monarchy, countering recent suggestions of American annexation. The visit included ceremonial events such as a tree planting, symbolic of Canada’s resilience, and a street hockey game, engaging with Canadians directly. A key highlight was the King delivering the throne speech, a first for a monarch in Canada since 1977, underscoring the Crown’s role in Canadian democracy. The visit’s timing and symbolism have been interpreted as a significant statement of Canadian identity and its enduring relationship with the British monarchy.
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After a 12-year investigation spurred by a family member’s curiosity, the remains of four crew members from the B-24 bomber Heaven Can Wait, shot down in 1944, have been recovered from the Pacific Ocean floor. A collaborative effort involving family research, Project Recover, and a DPAA deep-sea recovery mission led to the identification and repatriation of the remains. Staff Sergeant Eugene Darrigan and Second Lieutenant Thomas Kelly have already received military burials, while the burials of First Lieutenant Herbert Tennyson and Second Lieutenant Donald Sheppick will follow in the coming months. This remarkable undertaking brings closure to families who waited over eight decades for the return of their loved ones.
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Three new sanction packages targeting Russian individuals and entities supporting the war against Ukraine have been enacted by Ukrainian President Zelensky. These measures focus on those involved in terrorism financing, sanctions evasion, and propaganda dissemination, as well as members of Russian criminal organizations aligned with Putin. The sanctions also include several specific individuals, such as Oleksandr Bohuslayev and Ihor Mosiychuk, for their alleged roles in fraud and pro-Russian activities respectively. These actions are coordinated with international partners, including the European Union, to further isolate Russia.
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In Marion County, West Virginia, former Olympic gymnast Mary Lou Retton, 57, was arrested on May 17th. The charge was a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence. Retton was released on a $1,500 personal recognizance bond. No further details regarding the arrest have been released.
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Following the passing of Rep. Gerry Connolly, Rep. Jasmine Crockett announced her candidacy for the top Democratic position on the House Oversight Committee. Crockett’s campaign emphasizes her commitment to investigating President Donald Trump’s alleged corruption should Democrats regain control of the House in the upcoming midterm elections. She specifically cited potential investigations into violations of the emoluments clause and Trump’s cryptocurrency dealings. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez declined to run, citing the seniority system within the Democratic caucus.
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At least 67 children born between 2008 and 2015 from the sperm of a single donor carrying a rare cancer-causing gene mutation have been identified; 10 of these children have since developed cancer. This case, presented at the European Society of Human Genetics conference, highlights the urgent need for internationally agreed limits on the number of families per sperm donor to prevent the widespread dissemination of genetic diseases. The lack of consistent tracking across international borders compounded the difficulties of contacting and supporting affected families. Experts emphasize the need for improved tracking systems and international collaboration to mitigate similar future occurrences.
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Doc Antle, of Myrtle Beach Safari, will be sentenced on June 10th in Charleston for pleading guilty to conspiracy charges violating the Lacey Act and money laundering. His crimes involved illegally trafficking endangered animals, including cheetahs, lion cubs, tigers, and a chimpanzee, falsifying records to conceal the transactions. Antle used his non-profit to disguise payments and laundered money obtained from allegedly assisting undocumented immigrants. He faces a maximum of five years imprisonment per charge, along with substantial fines and supervised release.
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John Q. Hosedrinker